My RD Retreat with the Beef Council — Freedom Nutrition and Wellness

Soooo, I meant to post this in the middle of last week. But as per usual, life (trip to Austin) got in the way and I wasn't able to get around to creating the post. A few months ago, I got an email inviting me to a three day retreat for dietitians with the Beef Council in Kansas City. Um, that was a no-brainer--YES!!! Several RD beef council representatives from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri put the trip together. They were so gracious to pay for my travel and lodging, as well as incredible speakers. The purpose of the trip was to inform dietitians about beef preparation, nutrition, processing (from cattle to food on your table), and media representation so that we could form informed opinions around beef. (I'm hoping to write a blogpost on common beef misconceptions in the near future)

The conference started Tuesday at 11:00 am, so I decided to make the 5 hour drive Monday night after work so that I didn't have to wake up super early Tuesday morning, and also so that I could take advantage of some free time Tuesday morning to explore Kansas City. I got in around 10 Monday night, got settled in my room, and went to bed.

Tuesday morning, I woke up and did a short workout in the hotel gym since I figured I would be sitting most of the day.

I got cleaned up and headed out for some coffee and breakfast. The hotel we were staying at was pretty far north, so this was one of the closest places I found. I LOVED it and am so glad I decided to go there. Super cute atmosphere and delicious coffee/food. I went with a vanilla latte and breakfast burrito with chorizo.

While there I responded to some emails and then read She Reads Truth and a devotion on the IF:Gathering.

I headed back to the hotel, finished getting ready, and then met with the rest of the group to start the retreat/conference.

We first headed to a large Sysco distribution center, where we had a lunch consisting of several different types of lettuces/kale/ruffage, bread, and my first cut of beef for the trip. I appreciate veggies/lettuce, but I also really appreciate my carbs (I went back for another piece of bread), so I was a little unsatisfied with this meal. You win some, you lose some. Thankfully, I won a lot on this trip 😉

After lunch we had a food demonstration on how to cook certain cuts of beef, as well as how to get kids involved in the cooking/eating process.

Afterwards we divided into several group and did a Chopped competition with various cuts of beef and ethnic cuisine. Our group got a round tip and Mexican theme. We made chipotle and lime steak tacos with roasted poblanos, grilled cabbage, avocado, cojita cheese, and mango salsa....we didn't sample it so I have no idea what it tasted like 🙄 🙈

Afterwards we took a quick tour of the facility and then headed to dinner at Brio. Holy moly...this meal was absolutely incredible. I took pictures of the dishes, but the lighting was so terrible that the pictures looked disgusting. You're just gonna have to trust me that this was the best beef I've ever had 😍. Oh, and that mousse....🙋

Wednesday morning I woke up for a short walk before breakfast and then we all headed to a historic barn for two breakout sessions--one on protein's role in satiety and the other on taking a non-weight approach to improving health. I was super excited about the second session because the speaker, Leslie Schilling, had recently spoken at a conference I attended. She did such a great job....aaaaand we all got a copy of her new book!!

For lunch we had a buffet of several different burger sliders (holy cow, [literally] so so good!). I got a thai inspired one with mango salsa and another that I can't remember. But I did get some bacon and tomato to add to both because bacon makes everything taste better. I had it with some fruit and a roasted beet and carrot salad. It was fun because we got to eat lunch while talking with several ranchers from the area.

After lunch, we all headed out to a cattle ranch to see what one really looks like and then to ask questions to a panel of cattle rancher/producer experts.

I really appreciated being able to ask the panel tough questions about issues that get brought up around beef and health, environment, etc. It's important to be able to wade through fact and fiction when it comes to food production and nutrition, so I'm super grateful for this time.

After the panel, we drove back to the hotel, had free snacks at the hotel happy hour and then had the evening to ourselves. The Beef Council was super gracious to give us all gift cards to a nearby shopping center for dinner on our own. I wasn't really hungry after the hotel snacks and was in a funky food mood, so I ended up getting froyo for dinner (which I had a coupon for!) and used the gift card for a little bit of shopping. 😉

The next morning I went for another walk before breakfast at the hotel. The mornings here were absolutely glorious!! It was nice and brisk outside, and I loved starting off the day with some movement and a podcast.

We then headed to Kauffman Stadium, where the Royals baseball team play, for a session on food and video photography and then lunch. I was super excited for this session. I'm still taking pictures with my iphone, but maybe one day I will get a legit camera. It at least encouraged me to keep doing this blogging thing. 🤓

After lunch, we said our goodbyes and then I headed home for a full day of clients the next day. It was SUCH a great trip and I'm so grateful for the experience I had learning about beef, getting to know other dietitians, and eating good food :-)